A conjoined twin has revealed that he hid his true gender from his sister for 46 years, as the pair open up about how they have defied the odds to live past 50.
George and Lori Schappell from Pennsylvania are joined at the head, and when they were born their parents were told that they wouldn't live past their 30th birthday.
But here they are, 61 years old and defying the odds as Lori is a champion 10-pin bowler and George loves getting up on stage as a country and western singer.
As per the Sun, the twins sat down for an interview where George revealed that despite being named Dori and assigned female at birth, he always knew that he was a man.
"I have known from a very young age that I should have been a boy," George said. "I loved playing with trains and hated girly outfits. I kept my desire to change sex hidden - even from Lori - for many years."
Living most of his life as Dori, George soon opened up to his sister about who he really was and began living life as a male.
"It was so tough, but I was getting older and I simply didn’t want to live a lie. I knew I had to live my life the way I wanted," he said.
He hasn't undergone a sex change but now identifies as a male and dresses in what would usually be deemed as typical male attire.
Following her twin's confession, Lori said: "Obviously it was a shock when Dori changed to George, but I am so proud of him. It was a huge decision but we have overcome so much in our lives and together we are such a strong team. Nothing can break that."
Lori was once engaged but her fiancé was tragically killed by a drunk driver as she admitted that she was left completely heartbroken.
When discussing dating, Lori explained that she doesn't want being a conjoined twin to hold her back from experiencing the same love that other people in the world have.
"When I went on dates, George would bring along books to read and, as we don’t face each other, he could ignore any kissing," she explained.
They both have their own bedroom and they alternate where they sleep each night, as both of their rooms reflect their personalities.
Lori explained that she is more "girly" and her space reflects that, whereas George has his music posters and other things that reflect his personality.
People are often fascinated by aspects of the twin's life, and one such instance is what happens when one gets drunk while the other doesn't.
George stated that he doesn't drink but Lori is partial to the occasional vodka orange, and because their bodies are completely separate she will have a hangover while he will be absolutely fine.
Lori is five feet and one inch and was born able-bodied, whereas George was born four feed four with spina bifida, meaning he has mobility issues.
